Importance of Sunscreen and In Home Help

The summer season is finally upon us. The days are longer; the sun and our moods are brighter. We are spending more time outdoors now that the chill of winter and unpredictability of spring is gone. With these warmer days and longer time spent outdoors, it is important to always remember to wear sunscreen.

The sun’s rays are beneficial to us by supplying our daily requirement of Vitamin D with normal outdoor activity. While this is important for our health, we can also enrich our diet with Vitamin D through fish, milk, dairy and eggs. Prolonged exposure to the sun can have harmful effects. On top of aging our skin prematurely, it can also encourage the development of cancer and damage. Sun damaged skin is weaker, leathery and will bruise more easily.

The elderly should be especially careful about spending too much time outdoors without sunscreen and wear other forms of sun protection such as a hat, long sleeves and an umbrella. There are many medications such as anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular and acne medications that can make the skin extra susceptible to the sun’s strong rays.

It is important to include sunscreen into your everyday routine to not only reduce the risk of skin cancer, but also to prevent premature aging. Sunscreen should also be new as expired sunscreen is ineffective and is as useless as any other type of lotion. Skin irritation may also be a byproduct of expired sunscreen.

When applying sunscreen, be generous. A shot glass full will cover your body thoroughly to protect against the harmful UV rays. Be sure to reapply every few hours, as sweat and water can reduce the strength of protection. Avoid peak sunlight hours between 10am and 3pm to avoid the strongest ultraviolet rays. Wear an SPF 15, at the very least. When all else fails, cover all exposed areas and wear a wide-brimmed hat whenever possible.

Summertime is made for fun, and it can still be had as long as we remember to take care of ourselves. Sunscreen is important to protect our skin and keep us looking and feeling our best.

If you would like to learn more about caring and consistent in home help for the elderly and the many benefits of professional in home senior care or dementia and Alzheimer’s care, call Senior Helpers of Granada Hills to speak to a senior care specialist today 818-224-7786! The compassionate senior care specialists at Senior Helpers can also guide you through the process of receiving the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Benefit if your elderly loved one is a veteran. In home senior care and in home assisted living allows your loved one to stay in the comforts of their own home for as long as possible while receiving the level of care they need. Senior Helpers of Granada Hills provides a wide range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, personal assistance, companionship, and so much more to all areas of Granada Hills, Northridge, Porter Ranch, Santa Clarita Valley, and San Fernando Valley, California.